He brings in the intimidation factor. Especially with the absence of Cowen, we do need someone who can push people around in the defensive zone. He lacks a bit of polish, but I don't think we can afford to sit him right now, especially against teams that play physical or dirty.

I really like what Benoit has done for the team so far (I didn't see the Tampa game though, it appears he wasn't so hot), so he's not the one I'd take out to keep Boro.

He brings in the intimidation factor. Especially with the absence of Cowen, we do need someone who can push people around in the defensive zone. He lacks a bit of polish, but I don't think we can afford to sit him right now, especially against teams that play physical or dirty.

I really like what Benoit has done for the team so far (I didn't see the Tampa game though, it appears he wasn't so hot), so he's not the one I'd take out to keep Boro.

Dude... are you trying to be the most biased poster on the Sens board? Your hate for Phillips is starting to be ultra ridiculous...

Phillips has been fine. Ask the coaching staff and I'm sure they would say the same. We just have to not pair him and Gonchar together, they just don't mesh well together

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonkTastic

Yeah, good luck trying to convince people of that. I tried to say the same thing about Brian Lee. It was, to say the least, a wasted effort on my part.

But when you know something is good/true, you have to at least try and spread it. IMO, it still works with some people, even if it goes in one ear and out the other for the majority.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FolignoQuantumLeap

I think Mac's working towards this. He's gradually getting our rookies more ice time and leaning on the more veteran Benoit while they learn his system and gain some confidence at this level. By game 12 or so, they'll both be in the lineup over Benoit imo.

Philips hasn't been fine, watch him next time he's on the ice, we will either be stuck in our zone because he's too slow to get to the puck or because he still can't make a first pass to the forwards after a decade in the NHL. He looks out of shape and looks like he lost more than one step.

Both of them with Benoit as the 7. When Lundin returns, Benoit gets waived to Binghamton. He's a useful AHL captain. He's not longterm NHL. Use the short season to develop the other two. Gyba could be here next year to replace Lundin and Boro and Wier are not rookies any longer.

Philips hasn't been fine, watch him next time he's on the ice, we will either be stuck in our zone because he's too slow to get to the puck or because he still can't make a first pass to the forwards after a decade in the NHL. He looks out of shape and looks like he lost more than one step.

If you expect him to be playing like Erik Karlsson, of course you will always be disappointed.

I repeat, Phillips has been fine. At this point in his career, he is a great #5 because due to age, he lost a step. That's what happens when you have been sacrificing your body for the same team all your career.

That being said, it's astounding the amount of hate Chris Phillips gets. Frustrating for old time fans like me. Phillips ain't a "top pair" D-man anymore and it's just the way things go, like Alfie ain't a top line player anymore as well.

I think they still deserve a bit more respect, as we could just temper our expectations on them. Phillips still play great PK, score important goals, score about 20-25 points per 82 games (which is good for a defensive D-man), is never injured, has a lot of experience/leadership to share with youngsters and is fine at even strenght when he is not asked to face high skill/speed forwards like Stamkos. Plus, he never looked for big money and stayed with the Sens because his heart beats for this team. He probably cares a lot more than you ever will.

If you expect him to be playing like Erik Karlsson, of course you will always be disappointed.

I repeat, Phillips has been fine. At this point in his career, he is a great #5 because due to age, he lost a step. That's what happens when you have been sacrificing your body for the same team all your career.

That being said, it's astounding the amount of hate Chris Phillips gets. Frustrating for old time fans like me. Phillips ain't a "top pair" D-man anymore and it's just the way things go, like Alfie ain't a top line player anymore as well.

I think they still deserve a bit more respect, as we could just temper our expectations on them. Phillips still play great PK, score important goals, score about 20-25 points per 82 games (which is good for a defensive D-man), is never injured, has a lot of experience/leadership to share with youngsters and is fine at even strenght when he is not asked to face high skill/speed forwards like Stamkos. Plus, he never looked for big money and stayed with the Sens because his heart beats for this team. He probably cares a lot more than you ever will.

He has made the occasional mistake, like pinching for the big hit when he shouldn't have. Other than that he has been very good in my opinion. He looks pretty fast out there, but maybe that's just because he was paired with Phillips for most of the time.

Both of them with Benoit as the 7. When Lundin returns, Benoit gets waived to Binghamton. He's a useful AHL captain. He's not longterm NHL. Use the short season to develop the other two. Gyba could be here next year to replace Lundin and Boro and Wier are not rookies any longer.